On Monday, I provided a brief definition of cloud computing and its expected growth as reported by Gartner.  As a follow-up, today I’d like to take a look at the key benefits that cloud computing solutions offer.

1. Cloud-based solutions don’t require any upfront capital equipment purchases.
2. Maintenance and updates are automatically taken care of by the service provider.
3. Cloud computing solutions are easy to implement.
4. Cloud computing is highly-scalable.  As your applications grow, you can add capacity as needed.
5. Reduce overall hardware and IT support costs by outsourcing. 

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cloud-based mobile applications.

A common and growing trend for businesses across all types of industries is to make the move to cloud computing.  In fact, a recent study conducted by Gartner reported that the cloud computing market is expected to reach $150 billion by 2013.

So what exactly is cloud computing?  Cloud computing delivers applications via the internet, which are accessed from web browsers and desktop and mobile apps, while the business software and data are stored on servers at a remote location.  According to InfoWorld, cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real-time over the Internet, extends IT’s existing capabilities.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about cloud computing solutions.

On Nov. 1st, VeriFone announced the acquisition of Global Bay Mobile Technologies. DecisionPoint’s partner Global Bay is an industry-leading provider of next-generation mobile retail solutions. According to the press release, Global Bay’s technology, coupled with VeriFone’s secure mobile payment technology, will offer retailers an unparalleled comprehensive and integrated suite of mobile applications that will transform the in-store retail experience. These applications include Mobile POS, Clienteling, and Store Inventory Management.

This is the latest development in VeriFone’s strategy to bring the power of mobile into the world of retail and payments, extending new smartphone- and tablet-based shopping and payment experiences to retail organizations. Global Bay will operate as an independent business unit within VeriFone.

Let’s Get Mobile! Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Global Bay’s mobile retail solutions.

Although Windows Phone 7 is seen as the successor to Windows Mobile 6.5 they are fundamentally different.  Windows Mobile 6.5 and Windows Phone 7 are two very different operating systems designed for very different purposes.  Sometimes I’m asked if rugged mobile computers used in the enterprise will be moving towards Windows Phone 7, but WP7 is a non-enterprise OS targeted at consumer devices with an emphasis on social networking.  With Windows Mobile 6.5 users have a more flexible platform that can be customized and is targeted towards the business world.  In WP7 the browser and interface cannot be changed and there is only one keyboard choice.  While the new features of WP7 are exciting and the built-in social networking meets consumer demands, businesses that require a flexible solution for their mobile applications will meet these needs with rugged devices and Windows Mobile 6.5.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about rugged mobile computers that ship with Windows Mobile 6.5.

Many public safety departments are faced with fixed budgets and officers are assigned more and more duties each day.  Mobile applications increase efficiency and improve public safety by enabling officers to spend more time in the field instead of taking care of paperwork and data entry at the office.  In our March 10, 2010 post I provided information about mobile solutions for parking enforcement that increase efficiency and reduce errors with real-time data capture.  This increased efficiency and reduction in errors isn’t only limited to parking enforcement.  Mobility applications also enable officers to:

• Patrol more areas
• Quickly respond to incidents
• File multiple types of incidents and violations immediately
• Access case history-past violations and records
• Access important contact information including phone numbers and location

DecisionPoint’s software partner TotalMobile provides a mobile application platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of public safety departments so officers can respond to each incident efficiently and effectively.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about mobile solutions designed for public safety.

In my post yesterday I discussed the benefits and efficiency gains provided by customizable user interfaces for mobile workforces.  Today as promised, here is a link to a great video demo from DecisionPoint’s software partner Mobile Epiphany that showcases Touch Inspect with a customized user interface for a Child Services application.

View the video demo here or click the image at right.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Mobile Epiphany Touch Inspect software.

Providing your mobile workforce with a customized user interface makes the user experience more enjoyable, as well as intuitive.  With a tailor-made user interface you can improve your workers unique workflow and maximize efficiency.  DecisionPoint’s software partner Mobile Epiphany recently released new skinning tools that enable the customization of their Touch Inspect application to match the look and feel of a particular industry or company branding.

Check back tomorrow to see a great video demo that has been created for a Child Services application and utilizes the Touch Inspect customizable interface.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about customizable user interfaces for your mobile workforce.

A geostamp is much like a time stamp, but it records spatial data and typically includes information about latitude, longitude and elevation.  Providing your field workers with a mobile device that features GPS technology and a high resolution camera enables them to append photographs with a time stamp as well as this spatial data.  Geostamping provides accountability of field operations and confirmation that work has been completed at the right place and the right time.  Geostamping is typically used for:

• Proof of Delivery (POD)
• Proof of Condition
• Inspection Services
• Maintenance and Repair

Enable your field workers to provide indisputable confirmation of work completed and increase efficiency.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about GPS technology and geostamping solutions for field workers.

Much like every year, Black Friday sent droves of consumers to the stores searching for the best deals on holiday gifts.  This year many shoppers were taking advantage of their mobile phones to do research before purchases.  According to a recent Yahoo! And Neilsen’study, 9 out of 10 mobile Internet users accessed the Web while in stores and 51% made purchases after doing research via their phone.  Shoppers are also paying attention to the ads that they receive on their phones while shopping and are looking for the ads to include information about price, features and benefits.  Another recent study by MMA found that 59% of mobile consumers plan to use their mobile phones for holiday shopping and for planning holiday celebrations.  As you can see, mobile applications are changing retail and creating new ways for retailers to interact with their customers this holiday season.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about customer-facing retail applications and solutions that enhance the shopping experience.

Motorola recently announced the release of the newest addition to their line of mobile computers−the ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA).  Designed for mobile task workers, the ES400 is Motorola’s smallest EDA, but don’t let it’s pocket-sized design fool you, it packs a punch.  Key features include:

• Motorola Enterprise User Interface (MEUI)-Designed for enterprise and business users and enables faster, easier access to commonly used applications
• Microsoft Windows Mobile Pro 6.5 Operating System
• High Resolution 3.2 MP auto-focus digital camera
• 3-inch color touch screen display
• Built-in biometric fingerprint reader
• High-quality speakerphone, microphone and receiver

And much, much more!  Download the ES400 spec sheet for additional information about all of the features.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about the Motorola ES400 EDA.